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Counting cost of council pay rises

CERTAIN of your correspondents in recent times have been hell bent on trying to divert your readers from the real issue of the Caerphilly council pay scandal.

The reality is that this rise – given to 21 senior officers and agreed by a committee of five people which included four Labour cabinet members – is costing a fortune for the council taxpayers of the county borough.

This year’s extra bill of £267,000 would provide enough money to fill around 6,000 potholes – a big relief to motorists. Alternatively, it could have helped with other issues, such as reducing the increase in charges for many council services or stopping the closure of facilities such as public toilets.

If this wrong situation is allowed to continue the cost up to the next council election will be around £1.5 million plus many millions on other issues such as legal and other fees.

Plaid has never accepted the validity of such payments. In the special meeting we called in January last year we called for these pay rises to be withdrawn. This call has been repeated on many occasions, including twice in council meetings recently.

Labour continues to bury their heads in the sand whilst the taxpayer continues to foot the bill.

Comments

Nig
4:02pm Wed 23 Apr 14

Oh come on Colin , try and stick to the facts , there are 3 officer facing charges , not councilors , the welsh audit report states that member's were not aware of the pay rise, hence it being called a secret meeting , which was not published , that's why the payments were illegal and rescinded and an apology given. Where as Plaid have lost us over £600k in Icelandic banks and made £216k unlawful payment to officer , which Colin says he new nothing about , rather convenient that? And not lets forget that You stop Labour from appointing a new chief executive from outside of council, the audit report clearly states that the problems started in 2010 , labour took control in 2012 , the rot had already started when you were in control .

Oh come on Colin , try and stick to the facts , there are 3 officer facing charges , not councilors , the welsh audit report states that member's were not aware of the pay rise, hence it being called a secret meeting , which was not published , that's why the payments were illegal and rescinded and an apology given. Where as Plaid have lost us over £600k in Icelandic banks and made £216k unlawful payment to officer , which Colin says he new nothing about , rather convenient that? And not lets forget that You stop Labour from appointing a new chief executive from outside of council, the audit report clearly states that the problems started in 2010 , labour took control in 2012 , the rot had already started when you were in control .Nig

Oh come on Colin , try and stick to the facts , there are 3 officer facing charges , not councilors , the welsh audit report states that member's were not aware of the pay rise, hence it being called a secret meeting , which was not published , that's why the payments were illegal and rescinded and an apology given. Where as Plaid have lost us over £600k in Icelandic banks and made £216k unlawful payment to officer , which Colin says he new nothing about , rather convenient that? And not lets forget that You stop Labour from appointing a new chief executive from outside of council, the audit report clearly states that the problems started in 2010 , labour took control in 2012 , the rot had already started when you were in control .

Score: -4

allanrees1980
4:04pm Wed 23 Apr 14

I was appalled with PLAID's attempt to smear Labour in the by-election at Blackwood by bringing up the chief executives pay. Being a good candidate I read up on this and was ready to discuss it on the doors. Bottom line PLAID employed the chief Executive who under them did a lot of negative things that also cost a lot of money. Here's some points I pulled from the Wales Audit Office's report:

This PLAID Appointed Executive had:
•A greater risk appetite (point 25)
•Reduced Senior Management with reduced capacity (Point 26)
•Less collaboration (Point 27)
•He wanted to move things quickly. (29)
•There was an adverse effect on accountability. (31)
•Some councillors expressed concern that they did not have time to understand the decisions they had to make. (44)

Nobody in the Plaid camp stood up to this when THEY were the ones in control of the council. That was their role of being accountable.

Reading the report my analysis is that Anthony O'Sullivan seemed to be a powerful character aiming for an autocratic environment to operate in, the above points I pulled evidence that. In terms of his pay I cannot comment, however, given that he seemed to have so much momentum that was allowed by Plaid (employed by Plaid) I would imagine he would have been a formidable force to oppose.

“The tone at the top of the organisation changed with the appointment of a new Chief Executive in September 2010” – Wales Audit Office, Special Inspection January 2014.

Which says enough really.

As for the Cancer Careline pieces in their leaflets. From what I understand, Aneurin Bevan Health Board were the first to cut £12k from Cancercareline which had a "domino effect" on the charity. ABHB apparently argued that the charity was duplicating services, when they are actually commissioned work by the bigger cancer charities. This information was passed on to the council and there was a cut £18k cut made based on that information. Clearly someone has got the wrong end of the stick.

This issue was brought to my attention last Saturday on our first leafleting drop. I was given a compelling story about the struggle the charity faces. The Blackwood Labour team Cllr Nigel Dix, Cllr Pat, Lord Don Touhig (the Charity’s President) Gwyn Price AM and Chris Evans MP have been lobbying to get this case reheard.

So the sweeping statements made by Plaid's candidate probably under the supervision of Colin Mann were not quite accurate and like most of the information they produce it needs to be taken with a pinch of salt; as no doubt they are looking to win votes on a charities misfortune.

Allan Rees - Labour Candidate Blackwood By-Election

I was appalled with PLAID's attempt to smear Labour in the by-election at Blackwood by bringing up the chief executives pay. Being a good candidate I read up on this and was ready to discuss it on the doors. Bottom line PLAID employed the chief Executive who under them did a lot of negative things that also cost a lot of money. Here's some points I pulled from the Wales Audit Office's report:
This PLAID Appointed Executive had:
•A greater risk appetite (point 25)
•Reduced Senior Management with reduced capacity (Point 26)
•Less collaboration (Point 27)
•He wanted to move things quickly. (29)
•There was an adverse effect on accountability. (31)
•Some councillors expressed concern that they did not have time to understand the decisions they had to make. (44)
Nobody in the Plaid camp stood up to this when THEY were the ones in control of the council. That was their role of being accountable.
Reading the report my analysis is that Anthony O'Sullivan seemed to be a powerful character aiming for an autocratic environment to operate in, the above points I pulled evidence that. In terms of his pay I cannot comment, however, given that he seemed to have so much momentum that was allowed by Plaid (employed by Plaid) I would imagine he would have been a formidable force to oppose.
“The tone at the top of the organisation changed with the appointment of a new Chief Executive in September 2010” – Wales Audit Office, Special Inspection January 2014.
Which says enough really.
As for the Cancer Careline pieces in their leaflets. From what I understand, Aneurin Bevan Health Board were the first to cut £12k from Cancercareline which had a "domino effect" on the charity. ABHB apparently argued that the charity was duplicating services, when they are actually commissioned work by the bigger cancer charities. This information was passed on to the council and there was a cut £18k cut made based on that information. Clearly someone has got the wrong end of the stick.
This issue was brought to my attention last Saturday on our first leafleting drop. I was given a compelling story about the struggle the charity faces. The Blackwood Labour team Cllr Nigel Dix, Cllr Pat, Lord Don Touhig (the Charity’s President) Gwyn Price AM and Chris Evans MP have been lobbying to get this case reheard.
So the sweeping statements made by Plaid's candidate probably under the supervision of Colin Mann were not quite accurate and like most of the information they produce it needs to be taken with a pinch of salt; as no doubt they are looking to win votes on a charities misfortune.
Allan Rees - Labour Candidate Blackwood By-Electionallanrees1980

I was appalled with PLAID's attempt to smear Labour in the by-election at Blackwood by bringing up the chief executives pay. Being a good candidate I read up on this and was ready to discuss it on the doors. Bottom line PLAID employed the chief Executive who under them did a lot of negative things that also cost a lot of money. Here's some points I pulled from the Wales Audit Office's report:

This PLAID Appointed Executive had:
•A greater risk appetite (point 25)
•Reduced Senior Management with reduced capacity (Point 26)
•Less collaboration (Point 27)
•He wanted to move things quickly. (29)
•There was an adverse effect on accountability. (31)
•Some councillors expressed concern that they did not have time to understand the decisions they had to make. (44)

Nobody in the Plaid camp stood up to this when THEY were the ones in control of the council. That was their role of being accountable.

Reading the report my analysis is that Anthony O'Sullivan seemed to be a powerful character aiming for an autocratic environment to operate in, the above points I pulled evidence that. In terms of his pay I cannot comment, however, given that he seemed to have so much momentum that was allowed by Plaid (employed by Plaid) I would imagine he would have been a formidable force to oppose.

“The tone at the top of the organisation changed with the appointment of a new Chief Executive in September 2010” – Wales Audit Office, Special Inspection January 2014.

Which says enough really.

As for the Cancer Careline pieces in their leaflets. From what I understand, Aneurin Bevan Health Board were the first to cut £12k from Cancercareline which had a "domino effect" on the charity. ABHB apparently argued that the charity was duplicating services, when they are actually commissioned work by the bigger cancer charities. This information was passed on to the council and there was a cut £18k cut made based on that information. Clearly someone has got the wrong end of the stick.

This issue was brought to my attention last Saturday on our first leafleting drop. I was given a compelling story about the struggle the charity faces. The Blackwood Labour team Cllr Nigel Dix, Cllr Pat, Lord Don Touhig (the Charity’s President) Gwyn Price AM and Chris Evans MP have been lobbying to get this case reheard.

So the sweeping statements made by Plaid's candidate probably under the supervision of Colin Mann were not quite accurate and like most of the information they produce it needs to be taken with a pinch of salt; as no doubt they are looking to win votes on a charities misfortune.

Allan Rees - Labour Candidate Blackwood By-Election

Score: -9

choudhry
5:46pm Wed 23 Apr 14

I have asked many times what Labour knew about Osullivan that so scared them before his appointment! But why did Labour councilors vote for him, Harry got his boy was the claim of certain Bargoed councilors.

But to the facts, the Labour cabinet all TEN of them had the Hay report in July 2012, they kept it secret. If Osullivan, Barnet and Perkins are found guilty, the ten Labour cabinet members must be charged with conspiracy and complicity in defrauding the ratepayers of Caerphilly. Will Gwent police be allowed to prosecute Labour councilors? We wait and expect to be disappointed.

Labour set up the senior managers pay review body on 26th June 2012

One Plaid and FOUR Labour councilors voted to grant some two hundred and seventy thousand pounds illegally.

Labour claimed they have rescinded the rises but refuse to tell us how much has been recovered.

Labour has refused to recover the illegal car and holiday allowances stolen from the ratepayers of Caerphilly. Plaid nor Labour were consulted on this one, theft pure and simple.

Labour has refused to recover any of the professional fees stolen from the ratepayers of Caerphilly. More theft.

Labour are cowardly little people who refuse to consider the public in their actions.

Now Dix and his boy blame any and all for their cowardly refusal act.

Labour bankrupted the national economy when in power in the UK. Labour has systematically impoverished Wales by being tenth rate politicians. Now Labour in Caerphilly are doing the same, plenty for the few, cuts for the many to pay the few.

I have asked many times what Labour knew about Osullivan that so scared them before his appointment! But why did Labour councilors vote for him, Harry got his boy was the claim of certain Bargoed councilors.
But to the facts, the Labour cabinet all TEN of them had the Hay report in July 2012, they kept it secret. If Osullivan, Barnet and Perkins are found guilty, the ten Labour cabinet members must be charged with conspiracy and complicity in defrauding the ratepayers of Caerphilly. Will Gwent police be allowed to prosecute Labour councilors? We wait and expect to be disappointed.
Labour set up the senior managers pay review body on 26th June 2012
One Plaid and FOUR Labour councilors voted to grant some two hundred and seventy thousand pounds illegally.
Labour claimed they have rescinded the rises but refuse to tell us how much has been recovered.
Labour has refused to recover the illegal car and holiday allowances stolen from the ratepayers of Caerphilly. Plaid nor Labour were consulted on this one, theft pure and simple.
Labour has refused to recover any of the professional fees stolen from the ratepayers of Caerphilly. More theft.
Labour are cowardly little people who refuse to consider the public in their actions.
Now Dix and his boy blame any and all for their cowardly refusal act.
Labour bankrupted the national economy when in power in the UK. Labour has systematically impoverished Wales by being tenth rate politicians. Now Labour in Caerphilly are doing the same, plenty for the few, cuts for the many to pay the few.choudhry

I have asked many times what Labour knew about Osullivan that so scared them before his appointment! But why did Labour councilors vote for him, Harry got his boy was the claim of certain Bargoed councilors.

But to the facts, the Labour cabinet all TEN of them had the Hay report in July 2012, they kept it secret. If Osullivan, Barnet and Perkins are found guilty, the ten Labour cabinet members must be charged with conspiracy and complicity in defrauding the ratepayers of Caerphilly. Will Gwent police be allowed to prosecute Labour councilors? We wait and expect to be disappointed.

Labour set up the senior managers pay review body on 26th June 2012

One Plaid and FOUR Labour councilors voted to grant some two hundred and seventy thousand pounds illegally.

Labour claimed they have rescinded the rises but refuse to tell us how much has been recovered.

Labour has refused to recover the illegal car and holiday allowances stolen from the ratepayers of Caerphilly. Plaid nor Labour were consulted on this one, theft pure and simple.

Labour has refused to recover any of the professional fees stolen from the ratepayers of Caerphilly. More theft.

Labour are cowardly little people who refuse to consider the public in their actions.

Now Dix and his boy blame any and all for their cowardly refusal act.

Labour bankrupted the national economy when in power in the UK. Labour has systematically impoverished Wales by being tenth rate politicians. Now Labour in Caerphilly are doing the same, plenty for the few, cuts for the many to pay the few.

Score: 6

scraptheWAG
6:34pm Wed 23 Apr 14

choudhry wrote…

I have asked many times what Labour knew about Osullivan that so scared them before his appointment! But why did Labour councilors vote for him, Harry got his boy was the claim of certain Bargoed councilors.

But to the facts, the Labour cabinet all TEN of them had the Hay report in July 2012, they kept it secret. If Osullivan, Barnet and Perkins are found guilty, the ten Labour cabinet members must be charged with conspiracy and complicity in defrauding the ratepayers of Caerphilly. Will Gwent police be allowed to prosecute Labour councilors? We wait and expect to be disappointed.

Labour set up the senior managers pay review body on 26th June 2012

One Plaid and FOUR Labour councilors voted to grant some two hundred and seventy thousand pounds illegally.

Labour claimed they have rescinded the rises but refuse to tell us how much has been recovered.

Labour has refused to recover the illegal car and holiday allowances stolen from the ratepayers of Caerphilly. Plaid nor Labour were consulted on this one, theft pure and simple.

Labour has refused to recover any of the professional fees stolen from the ratepayers of Caerphilly. More theft.

Labour are cowardly little people who refuse to consider the public in their actions.

Now Dix and his boy blame any and all for their cowardly refusal act.

Labour bankrupted the national economy when in power in the UK. Labour has systematically impoverished Wales by being tenth rate politicians. Now Labour in Caerphilly are doing the same, plenty for the few, cuts for the many to pay the few.

and guess what they could pay themselves more than wayne rooney and jack their council tax up accordingly and yes people would still run down to the voting booth and yes vote labour

[quote][p][bold]choudhry[/bold] wrote:
I have asked many times what Labour knew about Osullivan that so scared them before his appointment! But why did Labour councilors vote for him, Harry got his boy was the claim of certain Bargoed councilors.
But to the facts, the Labour cabinet all TEN of them had the Hay report in July 2012, they kept it secret. If Osullivan, Barnet and Perkins are found guilty, the ten Labour cabinet members must be charged with conspiracy and complicity in defrauding the ratepayers of Caerphilly. Will Gwent police be allowed to prosecute Labour councilors? We wait and expect to be disappointed.
Labour set up the senior managers pay review body on 26th June 2012
One Plaid and FOUR Labour councilors voted to grant some two hundred and seventy thousand pounds illegally.
Labour claimed they have rescinded the rises but refuse to tell us how much has been recovered.
Labour has refused to recover the illegal car and holiday allowances stolen from the ratepayers of Caerphilly. Plaid nor Labour were consulted on this one, theft pure and simple.
Labour has refused to recover any of the professional fees stolen from the ratepayers of Caerphilly. More theft.
Labour are cowardly little people who refuse to consider the public in their actions.
Now Dix and his boy blame any and all for their cowardly refusal act.
Labour bankrupted the national economy when in power in the UK. Labour has systematically impoverished Wales by being tenth rate politicians. Now Labour in Caerphilly are doing the same, plenty for the few, cuts for the many to pay the few.[/p][/quote]and guess what they could pay themselves more than wayne rooney and jack their council tax up accordingly and yes people would still run down to the voting booth and yes vote labourscraptheWAG

choudhry wrote…

I have asked many times what Labour knew about Osullivan that so scared them before his appointment! But why did Labour councilors vote for him, Harry got his boy was the claim of certain Bargoed councilors.

But to the facts, the Labour cabinet all TEN of them had the Hay report in July 2012, they kept it secret. If Osullivan, Barnet and Perkins are found guilty, the ten Labour cabinet members must be charged with conspiracy and complicity in defrauding the ratepayers of Caerphilly. Will Gwent police be allowed to prosecute Labour councilors? We wait and expect to be disappointed.

Labour set up the senior managers pay review body on 26th June 2012

One Plaid and FOUR Labour councilors voted to grant some two hundred and seventy thousand pounds illegally.

Labour claimed they have rescinded the rises but refuse to tell us how much has been recovered.

Labour has refused to recover the illegal car and holiday allowances stolen from the ratepayers of Caerphilly. Plaid nor Labour were consulted on this one, theft pure and simple.

Labour has refused to recover any of the professional fees stolen from the ratepayers of Caerphilly. More theft.

Labour are cowardly little people who refuse to consider the public in their actions.

Now Dix and his boy blame any and all for their cowardly refusal act.

Labour bankrupted the national economy when in power in the UK. Labour has systematically impoverished Wales by being tenth rate politicians. Now Labour in Caerphilly are doing the same, plenty for the few, cuts for the many to pay the few.

and guess what they could pay themselves more than wayne rooney and jack their council tax up accordingly and yes people would still run down to the voting booth and yes vote labour

Score: 2

allanrees1980
8:03pm Wed 23 Apr 14

Choudry I cannot comment on issues that happened before this by-election. However regardless of whether Labour councillors voted for O’Sullivan the bottom line is Plaid Cymru was in charge of the Council when he was appointed.

If you wish to comment about facts, I would recommend that you stick to the Wales audit office report where it is full with facts. They are the independent voice in this matter and clearly what the public should be reading are not Labours or Plaid Cymru’s version of events.

Plaid Cymru’s rhetoric is clearly aimed at undermining Labour and putting themselves back in power to once again make bad decisions that put people like the Chief Executive in office.

Unfortunately as far as I know, it's hard to recover anything when there is a judicial process taking place. Any theft that we need to recover seems to have happened under Plaid Cymru’s watch. The special inspection of Caerphilly County Borough Council by the Wales audit office clearly points that out. See their website to obtain a copy.

So the cowardice lies with a political party which seems to ignore facts that are outlined in the Wales audit office report and attempts to twist information for their own political gain.

If you are referring to me as “Dix and his boy” this is exactly the rhetoric and patronising negative adversarial behaviour I have come to expect.

So if elected I'll be nobodies “boy” and hope to put my experience of working in local authorities and communities to good practice. Experience of working with Older People, families, disabled and the chronically sick.

For the record I haven't seen any national credit rate rating agency labelling the United Kingdom as bankrupt. As far as I was aware it was an international crisis that led us to the situation that we are in today not a British one.

Finally If you are accusing Wales been systematically impoverished by its politicians you must have forgotten that we were in coalition for a term with Plaid Cymru. Furthermore it's hard to pull a country out of poverty when what goes on in Westminster is out of our control.

Choudry I cannot comment on issues that happened before this by-election. However regardless of whether Labour councillors voted for O’Sullivan the bottom line is Plaid Cymru was in charge of the Council when he was appointed.
If you wish to comment about facts, I would recommend that you stick to the Wales audit office report where it is full with facts. They are the independent voice in this matter and clearly what the public should be reading are not Labours or Plaid Cymru’s version of events.
Plaid Cymru’s rhetoric is clearly aimed at undermining Labour and putting themselves back in power to once again make bad decisions that put people like the Chief Executive in office.
Unfortunately as far as I know, it's hard to recover anything when there is a judicial process taking place. Any theft that we need to recover seems to have happened under Plaid Cymru’s watch. The special inspection of Caerphilly County Borough Council by the Wales audit office clearly points that out. See their website to obtain a copy.
So the cowardice lies with a political party which seems to ignore facts that are outlined in the Wales audit office report and attempts to twist information for their own political gain.
If you are referring to me as “Dix and his boy” this is exactly the rhetoric and patronising negative adversarial behaviour I have come to expect.
So if elected I'll be nobodies “boy” and hope to put my experience of working in local authorities and communities to good practice. Experience of working with Older People, families, disabled and the chronically sick.
For the record I haven't seen any national credit rate rating agency labelling the United Kingdom as bankrupt. As far as I was aware it was an international crisis that led us to the situation that we are in today not a British one.
Finally If you are accusing Wales been systematically impoverished by its politicians you must have forgotten that we were in coalition for a term with Plaid Cymru. Furthermore it's hard to pull a country out of poverty when what goes on in Westminster is out of our control.allanrees1980

Choudry I cannot comment on issues that happened before this by-election. However regardless of whether Labour councillors voted for O’Sullivan the bottom line is Plaid Cymru was in charge of the Council when he was appointed.

If you wish to comment about facts, I would recommend that you stick to the Wales audit office report where it is full with facts. They are the independent voice in this matter and clearly what the public should be reading are not Labours or Plaid Cymru’s version of events.

Plaid Cymru’s rhetoric is clearly aimed at undermining Labour and putting themselves back in power to once again make bad decisions that put people like the Chief Executive in office.

Unfortunately as far as I know, it's hard to recover anything when there is a judicial process taking place. Any theft that we need to recover seems to have happened under Plaid Cymru’s watch. The special inspection of Caerphilly County Borough Council by the Wales audit office clearly points that out. See their website to obtain a copy.

So the cowardice lies with a political party which seems to ignore facts that are outlined in the Wales audit office report and attempts to twist information for their own political gain.

If you are referring to me as “Dix and his boy” this is exactly the rhetoric and patronising negative adversarial behaviour I have come to expect.

So if elected I'll be nobodies “boy” and hope to put my experience of working in local authorities and communities to good practice. Experience of working with Older People, families, disabled and the chronically sick.

For the record I haven't seen any national credit rate rating agency labelling the United Kingdom as bankrupt. As far as I was aware it was an international crisis that led us to the situation that we are in today not a British one.

Finally If you are accusing Wales been systematically impoverished by its politicians you must have forgotten that we were in coalition for a term with Plaid Cymru. Furthermore it's hard to pull a country out of poverty when what goes on in Westminster is out of our control.

Score: -3

scraptheWAG
12:06am Thu 24 Apr 14

plaid cymru reading there website is hilarious they are going to have a independent wales - paid for by who??

plaid cymru reading there website is hilarious they are going to have a independent wales - paid for by who??scraptheWAG

plaid cymru reading there website is hilarious they are going to have a independent wales - paid for by who??

Score: 0

choudhry
8:49am Thu 24 Apr 14

Dix and his boy have made clear their abuse of the electorate, they try to convince us that the crime was employing Osullivan not the theft he and his managers carried out.

Labour councilors voted for Osullivan, even after the theft became known Labour claimed they were the best management team in Wales. Labour have done and will do nothing, theft of oublic money is a criminal offense, to keep the proceeds and heap the costs on the ratepayers is as morally offensive as the Labour party refusing to do anything about it.

To your last point, with Wales morally corrupt, Labour has refused to intervene in the running of Caerphilly despite the clear corruption between Labour and the senior staff. Just why would any responsible government put more money at their disposal?

If Labour had sacked any of those responsible, any cabinet members resigned, all ten. Then and only then might the alleged underfunding become an issue.

Still on the up for Dix and his boy, that's the only way Dix will ever get into the cabinet, his deep desire to become an AM/MP is over, when he asked the constituency party to support his application when Irene James stood down, he was met with great volumes of laughter. Despite his knowing more about the economy than Osbourne or Brown.

The only future for Wales is without the Labour sheeple, to much impossibly poor political ability, different sheeple but still the same rosette.

Dix and his boy have made clear their abuse of the electorate, they try to convince us that the crime was employing Osullivan not the theft he and his managers carried out.
Labour councilors voted for Osullivan, even after the theft became known Labour claimed they were the best management team in Wales. Labour have done and will do nothing, theft of oublic money is a criminal offense, to keep the proceeds and heap the costs on the ratepayers is as morally offensive as the Labour party refusing to do anything about it.
To your last point, with Wales morally corrupt, Labour has refused to intervene in the running of Caerphilly despite the clear corruption between Labour and the senior staff. Just why would any responsible government put more money at their disposal?
If Labour had sacked any of those responsible, any cabinet members resigned, all ten. Then and only then might the alleged underfunding become an issue.
Still on the up for Dix and his boy, that's the only way Dix will ever get into the cabinet, his deep desire to become an AM/MP is over, when he asked the constituency party to support his application when Irene James stood down, he was met with great volumes of laughter. Despite his knowing more about the economy than Osbourne or Brown.
The only future for Wales is without the Labour sheeple, to much impossibly poor political ability, different sheeple but still the same rosette.choudhry

Dix and his boy have made clear their abuse of the electorate, they try to convince us that the crime was employing Osullivan not the theft he and his managers carried out.

Labour councilors voted for Osullivan, even after the theft became known Labour claimed they were the best management team in Wales. Labour have done and will do nothing, theft of oublic money is a criminal offense, to keep the proceeds and heap the costs on the ratepayers is as morally offensive as the Labour party refusing to do anything about it.

To your last point, with Wales morally corrupt, Labour has refused to intervene in the running of Caerphilly despite the clear corruption between Labour and the senior staff. Just why would any responsible government put more money at their disposal?

If Labour had sacked any of those responsible, any cabinet members resigned, all ten. Then and only then might the alleged underfunding become an issue.

Still on the up for Dix and his boy, that's the only way Dix will ever get into the cabinet, his deep desire to become an AM/MP is over, when he asked the constituency party to support his application when Irene James stood down, he was met with great volumes of laughter. Despite his knowing more about the economy than Osbourne or Brown.

The only future for Wales is without the Labour sheeple, to much impossibly poor political ability, different sheeple but still the same rosette.

Score: 2

allanrees1980
9:50am Thu 24 Apr 14

I'm not going to pass any more comment other than you referring to me as Dix's boy. That clearly as a Plaid supporter you have no dignity or respect for the other party just a loathing that clearly runs deep.

I believe in politics and that we need to have a balanced representitive amout of political parties to represent the public.

However referring to me as Dix's boy is clearly derogatory and patronising language. That inspires adversarial politics that does nobody any good.

So despite what you say I hope the readers of this letter see a sample of what Plaid supporters represent. Furthermore in support of Plaid I would rather see them as Labours main opposition in Wales than the Tories. They've failed at that as well and chowdry's bad attitude is an example of how low they can go.

I urge anyone to read the report produced by the Wales Audit Office, there lies the fact in black and white. Not Red and Green.

I'm not going to pass any more comment other than you referring to me as Dix's boy. That clearly as a Plaid supporter you have no dignity or respect for the other party just a loathing that clearly runs deep.
I believe in politics and that we need to have a balanced representitive amout of political parties to represent the public.
However referring to me as Dix's boy is clearly derogatory and patronising language. That inspires adversarial politics that does nobody any good.
So despite what you say I hope the readers of this letter see a sample of what Plaid supporters represent. Furthermore in support of Plaid I would rather see them as Labours main opposition in Wales than the Tories. They've failed at that as well and chowdry's bad attitude is an example of how low they can go.
I urge anyone to read the report produced by the Wales Audit Office, there lies the fact in black and white. Not Red and Green.allanrees1980

I'm not going to pass any more comment other than you referring to me as Dix's boy. That clearly as a Plaid supporter you have no dignity or respect for the other party just a loathing that clearly runs deep.

I believe in politics and that we need to have a balanced representitive amout of political parties to represent the public.

However referring to me as Dix's boy is clearly derogatory and patronising language. That inspires adversarial politics that does nobody any good.

So despite what you say I hope the readers of this letter see a sample of what Plaid supporters represent. Furthermore in support of Plaid I would rather see them as Labours main opposition in Wales than the Tories. They've failed at that as well and chowdry's bad attitude is an example of how low they can go.

I urge anyone to read the report produced by the Wales Audit Office, there lies the fact in black and white. Not Red and Green.

Score: -4

pwlldu
11:16am Thu 24 Apr 14

Come on Cllr Dix Councils across the land took Gordon Browns advice to invest in Icelandic banks. Caerphilly officers was following his advice when they advised Plaid councillors. Three Labour councillors voted in a sercret meeting to award above inflation pay rises to the senior managers.

Come on Cllr Dix Councils across the land took Gordon Browns advice to invest in Icelandic banks. Caerphilly officers was following his advice when they advised Plaid councillors. Three Labour councillors voted in a sercret meeting to award above inflation pay rises to the senior managers.pwlldu

Come on Cllr Dix Councils across the land took Gordon Browns advice to invest in Icelandic banks. Caerphilly officers was following his advice when they advised Plaid councillors. Three Labour councillors voted in a sercret meeting to award above inflation pay rises to the senior managers.

Score: 6

pwlldu
11:22am Thu 24 Apr 14

Democracy has a price but unlike other countries the cost is not human lives.
allanrees1980 says... is not a hand puppet of Nigel Dix, Allan takes batteries like all modern yes men.

Democracy has a price but unlike other countries the cost is not human lives.
allanrees1980 says... is not a hand puppet of Nigel Dix, Allan takes batteries like all modern yes men.pwlldu

Democracy has a price but unlike other countries the cost is not human lives.
allanrees1980 says... is not a hand puppet of Nigel Dix, Allan takes batteries like all modern yes men.

Score: 4

allanrees1980
11:55am Thu 24 Apr 14

A modern man with a track record of working in communities with the many, focused on social justice, reducing poverty and ensuring those who haven't got a voice gets one through me.

A modern man with a track record of working in communities with the many, focused on social justice, reducing poverty and ensuring those who haven't got a voice gets one through me.allanrees1980

A modern man with a track record of working in communities with the many, focused on social justice, reducing poverty and ensuring those who haven't got a voice gets one through me.

Score: -4

theviking666
12:12pm Thu 24 Apr 14

Nig says...

Oh come on Colin , try and stick to the facts , there are 3 officer facing charges , not councilors , the welsh audit report states that member's were not aware of the pay rise, hence it being called a secret meeting , which was not published , that's why the payments were illegal and rescinded and an apology given. Where as Plaid have lost us over £600k in Icelandic banks and made £216k unlawful payment to officer , which Colin says he new nothing about , rather convenient that? And not lets forget that You stop Labour from appointing a new chief executive from outside of council, the audit report clearly states that the problems started in 2010 , labour took control in 2012 , the rot had already started when you were in control . But the rot didn't stop, that's the problem, if it had, there wouldn't be a court case going on?

Nig says...
Oh come on Colin , try and stick to the facts , there are 3 officer facing charges , not councilors , the welsh audit report states that member's were not aware of the pay rise, hence it being called a secret meeting , which was not published , that's why the payments were illegal and rescinded and an apology given. Where as Plaid have lost us over £600k in Icelandic banks and made £216k unlawful payment to officer , which Colin says he new nothing about , rather convenient that? And not lets forget that You stop Labour from appointing a new chief executive from outside of council, the audit report clearly states that the problems started in 2010 , labour took control in 2012 , the rot had already started when you were in control . But the rot didn't stop, that's the problem, if it had, there wouldn't be a court case going on?theviking666

Nig says...

Oh come on Colin , try and stick to the facts , there are 3 officer facing charges , not councilors , the welsh audit report states that member's were not aware of the pay rise, hence it being called a secret meeting , which was not published , that's why the payments were illegal and rescinded and an apology given. Where as Plaid have lost us over £600k in Icelandic banks and made £216k unlawful payment to officer , which Colin says he new nothing about , rather convenient that? And not lets forget that You stop Labour from appointing a new chief executive from outside of council, the audit report clearly states that the problems started in 2010 , labour took control in 2012 , the rot had already started when you were in control . But the rot didn't stop, that's the problem, if it had, there wouldn't be a court case going on?

Score: 4

pwlldu
4:29pm Fri 25 Apr 14

Allan Rees standing for the wrong party, bless him.

Allan Rees standing for the wrong party, bless him.pwlldu

Allan Rees standing for the wrong party, bless him.

Score: 2

tebes
12:43pm Sat 26 Apr 14

I'm still waiting for Morrisons.

I'm still waiting for Morrisons.tebes

I'm still waiting for Morrisons.

Score: 4

pwlldu
2:13pm Sat 26 Apr 14

What did Cllr Dix say about his local AM and fellow Cllr Kirby, can we really take any comments Cllr Dix say as a serious politican.

What did Cllr Dix say about his local AM and fellow Cllr Kirby, can we really take any comments Cllr Dix say as a serious politican.pwlldu

What did Cllr Dix say about his local AM and fellow Cllr Kirby, can we really take any comments Cllr Dix say as a serious politican.

Score: 4

tebes
6:27pm Sat 26 Apr 14

Cllr Dix also said we were going to have a Morrisons in Blackwood. Wasn't it on the Labour leaflet at the last Council elections?

Cllr Dix also said we were going to have a Morrisons in Blackwood. Wasn't it on the Labour leaflet at the last Council elections?tebes

Cllr Dix also said we were going to have a Morrisons in Blackwood. Wasn't it on the Labour leaflet at the last Council elections?

Score: 3

allanrees1980
8:41pm Sat 26 Apr 14

Morrisons opted for Bargoed. Thanks to Cllr Dix's hard work, Poundstretchers and soon Homebargains are on the site that Morrisons wanted to occupy.

Blackwood Labour Party will hopefully develop a website to keep you all updated, if approved by my fellow members (in Blackwood) the site will contain up to date info on what Pat Cook, Nigel and myself will be working on, achieving and past achievements to keep the electorate informed and the Labour Party as the wards three councillors.

Morrisons opted for Bargoed. Thanks to Cllr Dix's hard work, Poundstretchers and soon Homebargains are on the site that Morrisons wanted to occupy.
Blackwood Labour Party will hopefully develop a website to keep you all updated, if approved by my fellow members (in Blackwood) the site will contain up to date info on what Pat Cook, Nigel and myself will be working on, achieving and past achievements to keep the electorate informed and the Labour Party as the wards three councillors.allanrees1980

Morrisons opted for Bargoed. Thanks to Cllr Dix's hard work, Poundstretchers and soon Homebargains are on the site that Morrisons wanted to occupy.

Blackwood Labour Party will hopefully develop a website to keep you all updated, if approved by my fellow members (in Blackwood) the site will contain up to date info on what Pat Cook, Nigel and myself will be working on, achieving and past achievements to keep the electorate informed and the Labour Party as the wards three councillors.

Score: -2

pwlldu
1:24pm Sun 27 Apr 14

allanrees1980 says... so Poundstretchers is being moved grom the high st, so no new jobs created. Blackwood High street will soon wither and die thanks to the local Labour party.

allanrees1980 says... so Poundstretchers is being moved grom the high st, so no new jobs created. Blackwood High street will soon wither and die thanks to the local Labour party.pwlldu

allanrees1980 says... so Poundstretchers is being moved grom the high st, so no new jobs created. Blackwood High street will soon wither and die thanks to the local Labour party.

Score: 2

allanrees1980
1:39pm Sun 27 Apr 14

It certainly doesn't look dead. It was really busy on Saturday and Thursday. Funny that.

Yes Poundstretchers is now on the shopping site that was in danger of going derelict. As a result of that move, Homebargains have advertised in their window for vacancies and I think will open in june. More to follow!

So Pwlldu, more jobs and the town seems to be doing ok since the old Poundstretcher burnt down.

It certainly doesn't look dead. It was really busy on Saturday and Thursday. Funny that.
Yes Poundstretchers is now on the shopping site that was in danger of going derelict. As a result of that move, Homebargains have advertised in their window for vacancies and I think will open in june. More to follow!
So Pwlldu, more jobs and the town seems to be doing ok since the old Poundstretcher burnt down.allanrees1980

It certainly doesn't look dead. It was really busy on Saturday and Thursday. Funny that.

Yes Poundstretchers is now on the shopping site that was in danger of going derelict. As a result of that move, Homebargains have advertised in their window for vacancies and I think will open in june. More to follow!

So Pwlldu, more jobs and the town seems to be doing ok since the old Poundstretcher burnt down.

Score: -3

maggie43
8:52pm Mon 28 Apr 14

allanrees1980 wrote…

Morrisons opted for Bargoed. Thanks to Cllr Dix's hard work, Poundstretchers and soon Homebargains are on the site that Morrisons wanted to occupy.

Blackwood Labour Party will hopefully develop a website to keep you all updated, if approved by my fellow members (in Blackwood) the site will contain up to date info on what Pat Cook, Nigel and myself will be working on, achieving and past achievements to keep the electorate informed and the Labour Party as the wards three councillors.

Morrisons was already going to bargoed and never blackwood. 250 jobs were promised by your colleagues. Poundstretcher could have gone to this site at any time. ! Thankfully they have reopened and hopefully old employees are able to work again. Not 250 jobs though

[quote][p][bold]allanrees1980[/bold] wrote:
Morrisons opted for Bargoed. Thanks to Cllr Dix's hard work, Poundstretchers and soon Homebargains are on the site that Morrisons wanted to occupy.
Blackwood Labour Party will hopefully develop a website to keep you all updated, if approved by my fellow members (in Blackwood) the site will contain up to date info on what Pat Cook, Nigel and myself will be working on, achieving and past achievements to keep the electorate informed and the Labour Party as the wards three councillors.[/p][/quote]Morrisons was already going to bargoed and never blackwood. 250 jobs were promised by your colleagues. Poundstretcher could have gone to this site at any time. ! Thankfully they have reopened and hopefully old employees are able to work again. Not 250 jobs thoughmaggie43

allanrees1980 wrote…

Morrisons opted for Bargoed. Thanks to Cllr Dix's hard work, Poundstretchers and soon Homebargains are on the site that Morrisons wanted to occupy.

Blackwood Labour Party will hopefully develop a website to keep you all updated, if approved by my fellow members (in Blackwood) the site will contain up to date info on what Pat Cook, Nigel and myself will be working on, achieving and past achievements to keep the electorate informed and the Labour Party as the wards three councillors.

Morrisons was already going to bargoed and never blackwood. 250 jobs were promised by your colleagues. Poundstretcher could have gone to this site at any time. ! Thankfully they have reopened and hopefully old employees are able to work again. Not 250 jobs though

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